Getting to know the hands, head, and heart behind Kim Brown means stepping into a family legacy that’s more than a century old. Kim, the fourth-generation leader of H. Gerstner & Sons, carries the responsibility of a business that has been crafting wooden tool chests since 1906—all from the same Dayton, Ohio workshop her great-grandfather Harry Gerstner built in 1914.
In this Curated Craftsman™ conversation we chat about:
✘ 00:00:03 - Preserving American Craftsmanship Through Generations
✘ 00:06:34 - From Factory Floor to Family Legacy
✘ 00:10:19 - From Necessity to Luxury: Expanding Beyond Tools
✘ 00:20:17 - Custom Woodworking Team and Exotic Wood Projects
✘ 00:25:38 - Building Gershner From a Hundred Dollar Bonus
✘ 00:29:29 - Balancing Perfection with Production Efficiency
✘ 00:33:24 - Fighting Knockoffs with an Import Division
✘ 00:35:11 - USA-Made Chests and Long-Term Customer Strategy
✘ 00:38:47 - Mastering the Felt Lining Process
✘ 00:42:15 - Vintage Machines and Grassroots Marketing
✘ 00:46:08 - Passion Defines True Craftsmanship
✘ 01:01:02 - Handcrafted Wood Furniture as True Sustainability
✘ 01:03:42 - Dealing with Social Media Burnout and Criticism
✘ 01:06:59 - Faith, Nature, and Finding Work-Life Balance
✘ 01:09:36 - Creativity as Evidence of God
✘ 01:13:03 - Stubbornness: The Key to Survival and Success
As we talked, Kim shared what it’s really like to run a generational business: balancing respect for tradition with the need to innovate, maintaining unmatched craftsmanship while meeting modern expectations, and the weight—and joy—of carrying a legacy that has lasted nearly 120 years.
These chests aren’t just functional—they’re art. Beyond tool chests, Gerstner now crafts jewelry boxes, gun cases, and drink cabinets, often inspired by customer ideas and creative reinterpretations.
Approaching its 120th anniversary, nearly 98% of each chest is U.S.-made, proving that building for longevity builds lasting relationships. In a world of disposables, Gerstner continues to create functional works of art meant to be treasured for generations—a philosophy that mirrors my own approach to art.
Step inside the Dayton workshop and see these heirloom chests come to life. Watch my full interview, including photos of the workshop and some of the iconic Gerstner pieces that have quietly shaped generations of craftsmen.
Gerstner & Sons Links:
Website: www.gerstnerusa.com
Instagram: @Gerstnerusa
Facebook: Gerstner & Sons